Veganuary is featured in the Food Museum’s Meat the Future exhibition in Suffolk, which delves deep into the UK’s meat-centric diet, from bacon sandwiches and roast dinners to lamb curries and pepperoni pizzas.
A collaborative effort between the Food Museum, Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Oxford University’s Livestock Environment and People (LEAP) research programme, Meat the Future aims to get visitors to stop and think about the environmental repercussions of our meat-heavy diet. It will be on display until 5 May 2024.
The environmental toll of animal agriculture
Meat the Future showcases groundbreaking research on the environmental consequences of animal farming, taking visitors on a journey through history and raising thought-provoking questions about the future of food production.
Scientific research shows that eating a plant-based diet is one of the most impactful things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment. Yet globally, a staggering 90% of the population consumes meat and this is projected to increase in the coming years.
The Food Museum is displaying colourful Veganuary wristbands – used in the 2015 campaign and representing the charity’s positive and upbeat attitude – as it highlights the impact our campaign has played in shifting Britain’s attitude to plant-based diets.
The wristbands were the perfect symbol to show participation and support and made great conversation starters, leading to increased awareness of veganism and inspiring others to get involved.
Veganuary’s impact on Britain’s food landscape
Since launching in 2014, Veganuary has helped millions of people try a vegan diet. YouGov research carried out in 2022 shows the role Veganuary has played in normalising plant-based food. The poll found that nearly three-quarters (71%) of adults in Great Britain have heard of Veganuary and nine per cent have participated.
Over the last 10 years, Veganuary has become a household name in Britain and thousands of plant-based products and menu items have been launched during the campaign. From the iconic Greggs vegan sausage roll in 2019 to McDonald’s taking the McPlant nationwide last year, the widespread impact Veganuary has had on Britain’s food landscape is undeniable.
Is the future of food plant-based?
Although meat consumption is on the rise globally, alternative proteins are becoming more popular, and the plant-based food industry is set to be worth $77.8bn by 2025. With the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of meat and the growing visibility of initiatives like Veganuary, many people are opting for plant-based alternatives.
Meat the Future offers visitors intriguing facts and interactive elements to encourage people to think about where our food comes from. Whether you’re a staunch meat eater or a dedicated vegan, this exhibition promises to be an enlightening experience.
Find out more about Meat the Future here.
